IN THE NEWS: Arizona, Alaska, Virginia
Phoenix, AZ: Bishop Daniel celebrates Liturgy
On Sunday, February 1, 2015—the weekend following his consecration to the episcopacy—His Grace, Bishop Daniel of Santa Rosa was welcomed as a hierarch to Saint Peter and Paul parish here, where he serves as pastor. The Divine Liturgy was concelebrated by His Eminence, Archbishop Nathaniel of Detroit and the Romanian Episcopate; His Eminence, Archbishop Benjamin of San Francisco and the West; Bishop Daniel; and several priests and deacons. His Beatitude, Metropolitan Herman, retired Primate of the Orthodox Church in America, prayed in the altar.
The parishioners of Saints Peter and Paul honored the occasion of the elevation of their pastor to the episcopacy with a festive banquet following the Divine Liturgy. [Photo credit: Martin Paluch.]
View a photo gallery from the Liturgy and banquet here.
Anchorage, AK: Bishop David speaks at U of Alaska
At the invitation of Priest Robert Polson, Orthodox Christian Fellowship Chaplain at the University of Alaska Anchorage, His Grace, Bishop David addressed over 25 students on Thursday, February 19, 2015. The topic of his well-received talk was “Living an Orthodox Life in the Modern World, Religion vs. a Way of Life.”
The University’s OCF chapter meets on Mondays from 7:30 until 9:00 p.m. in UAA SSB Room 251.
Ft. Belvoir, VA: Fr. Baktis honored on retirement from chaplaincy
Archpriest Peter Baktis, Ch COL USA, was honored at a retirement ceremony at the US Intelligence and Security Command HQ here on February 18, 2015.
Awards were presented to Father Peter and Matushka Jeanne by BG Ray Bailey, Deputy Chief of Chaplains, on behalf of the Chief of Chaplains. Matushka Jeanne also received the Outstanding Civilian Service Medal for her dedicated service to the soldiers, families and civilians for the past 25 years.
Hosted by M.G. Franz, Commander, the ceremony was attended by His Beatitude, Metropolitan Tikhon; Archpriest John Jillions, OCA Chancellor; and Archpriest Theodore Boback, Ch Lieutenant Colonel USA-Retired, Dean and Executive Director of Orthodox Military and Veterans Administration Chaplains.
Metropolitan Tikhon presented a gramota, signed by all of the members of the Holy Synod of Bishops in recognition of his 25 years of service in the US Army and his 30 years of priestly ministry, to Father Peter. He also presented the Order of Saint Innocent Silver Class to the couple.
Father Peter and Matushka Jeanne will continue their ministry to the Church at the Mother of God, Joy of All Who Sorrow Parish, Princeton, NJ, where he begins his assignment as on March 15.